Washington, D.C. – Senior Alex Salata III netted a career-high 31 points as the Penn State Abington men's basketball team defeated Gallaudet University, 84-66, in United East Conference (UEC) action on Saturday afternoon at the Gallaudet Field House.
 
Score: Penn State Abington 84, Gallaudet 66
Records: Penn State Abington (16-6, 10-3 UEC) | Gallaudet (1-20, 0-12 UEC)
Location: Washington, D.C. (Field House)

How It Happened
 
* Abington jumped out to a 10-3 lead over the first three minutes of action and held a double-digit lead by the 13:37 mark as the Nittany Lions took control early on against the Bison.  Salata drained a three-pointer that gave Abington its first double-digit lead at 15-5. 
 
* By the midway point of the opening half, the Bison cut the deficit down to 19-15.  However, the Nittany Lions came through with a massive 20-3 run over the next seven minutes to increase their lead to 39-18.  Senior Brian Randolph III capped the scoring with a three-pointer at the 3:42 mark.  Abington would go on to lead 46-25 at the half.
 
* In the second half, the Nittany Lions maintained their double-digit lead throughout despite the Bison coming within 10 points of the lead on two occasions late.  The latter coming with just over three minutes to play when Galladuet made the score 71-61 after a three-pointer by Preston Kelly.  Abington quickly responded with a three of its own thanks to Salata and then a basket by junior Jake Schalki gave the Nittany Lions a 76-61 lead with two minutes to go in regulation.
 
Inside the Box Score
 
* Salata had a career day as he came away with 31 points on 10-of-14 shooting from the field, including 4-of-7 from deep range.  He also converted 7-of-9 from the free throw line and totaled three boards and four assists.
 
* Randolph finished the game with 16 points (5-10 FG) and led the team with five assists.
 
* Schalki totaled 13 points and grabbed a team-high seven rebounds.
 
* Senior Alex Podolski also scored in double-figures as he finished with 11 points to go along with five rebounds.
 
* Sophomore Lexuus Fasce contributed nine points, six rebounds and three assists.
 
* For Gallaudet, Rory Lewis led the Bison with 23 points, while Blessed Mbogo finished with 17 points.
 
All-Time Series
Today marked the 23^rd meeting between Abington and Galladuet since the start of the 2011-12 season.  The Nittany Lions are now 12-11 versus the Bison in the all-time series.
 
Next Up
Abington returns to action on Wednesday, Feb. 5 as the Nittany Lions host Penn State Harrisburg in United East action.  Tip-off is set for 7 p.m.  Prior to the game, Abington will recognize its Senior Class in part of Senior Night Festivities at the Abington Athletic Building.